Weed control and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) interseeded with Jointvetch (Aeschynomene histrix Poir.) at different sowing arrangements

Abstract

The use of forage legume with cereals offers a potential for increasing food and forage production. Field study was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016 to determine the effect of interseeding Jointvetch (Aeschynomene histrix) at different sowing arrangements on weed control, growth and yield of maize. The treatments were one hoe weeding at 3 weeks after sowing (WAS) followed by (fb) one row of Jointvetch drilled by the side of the ridge at 3 WAS, one hoe weeding at 3 WAS fb two rows of Jointvetch drilled by the sides of the ridge at 3 WAS, one hoe weeding at 3 WAS fb one row of Jointvetch drilled within the furrow at 3 WAS, one hoe weeding at 3 WAS fb two rows of Jointvetch drilled within the furrow at 3 WAS, one hoe weeding at 3 WAS fb Jointvetch broadcast within the plot at 3 WAS, two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS and a weedy check arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data collected on weed dry weight, plant height, cob length, cob diameter and grain yield were subjected analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P ≤ 0.05. Weed dry weight, plant height, cob length, cob diameter and grain yield were significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by Jointvetch arrangement. The magnitude of weed suppression was lowest in the plot with Jointvetch broadcast, which also produced taller plants, longer cobs, wider cobs and highest grain yield compared to the weedy check. Grain yield in plots interseeded with Jointvetch and two hoe weeding at (3 and 6 WAS) were comparable and higher than that in the weedy check. Our findings demonstrated that one hoe weeding at 3 WAS fb Jointvetch broadcast can reduce weed growth and increase grain yield of maize.